VR Tech Times

"Forget diesel, go hybrid," Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise told us in an interview at the launch of the Duster hybrid. Renault claims that hybrid is the perfect replacement for diesel. The 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine was instrumental in the first-generation Duster's sales success; out of the nearly 200,000 units sold, nearly 90 percent were powered by the diesel engine. However, the K9K was axed in 2020, when the stricter BS6 emission norms went into effect.  First-generation Renault Duster's K9K 1.5L diesel engine. Renault Duster hybrid leads in claimed mileage than rivals In addition to the Renault Duster , the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris are currently the only other mid-size SUVs to offer a hybrid powertrain option. The Duster hybrid's ARAI-rated mileage of 29kpl is 1.03kpl higher than what the Grand Vitara and Hyryder claim. Meanwhile, the Victoris comes closest to matching the Renault SUV's figure, with a margin of just 0...

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled its latest performance SUV, the all-electric AMG GT SUV . As the second model based on the 800-volt AMG.EA platform, the AMG GT SUV touts some serious numbers, particularly when it comes to power and performance. We take a look at how the AMG GT SUV stacks up on paper against its key rivals: the Porsche Cayenne Electric and Lotus Eletre . For this comparison, we've selected the top-spec, most potent versions of each electric performance SUV, specifically the AMG GT 63 SUV, Cayenne Turbo Electric , and Eletre 900 Sport . Mercedes-AMG GT SUV vs rivals: Powertrain and performance   AMG GT 63 SUV Cayenne Turbo Electric Eletre 900 Sport Battery capacity (kWh) 106 / 128 113 112 Motor layout Triple Dual Dual Power (hp) 721 (up to 1,169) 857 (up to 1,156) 905 Torque (Nm) 2,000 1,360 (up to 1,500) 985 Gearbox 2-speed automatic 1-speed automatic 2-speed automatic Drive layout AWD AWD AWD Claimed 0-100kph time (sec) 2.7 2.5 2.95 Claimed top speed (kph) 270* ...

The Kawasaki Z300 is the Japanese brand’s new entry-level street naked, which will sit at the bottom of its Z lineup, drawing styling cues from the larger Z900. It is built on the same platform as the Ninja 300 and brings a parallel-twin engine to a segment largely dominated by single-cylinder bikes, going up against the KTM 390 Duke and TVS Apache RTR 310. 1. What engine does the Kawasaki Z300 use? The Z300 is powered by a 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing 39hp and 26.1Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. The engine is shared with the Ninja 300, but the Z300’s upright ergonomics, largely thanks to a wide, single-piece handlebar, should give it a more relaxed character than its faired sibling. 2. What features does the Kawasaki Z300 get? The Z300 gets a new instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity, which should be an upgrade over the dated yet charming analogue semi-digital console on the Ninja 300. During the launch livestream, we spotted more than o...

The Kia Sorento recorded 1,739 units in domestic wholesales in September 2026, its first month on sale after launching on September 4. It was Kia India’s fifth best-selling model that month. Including 365 units dispatched to dealers in August ahead of the launch, the Sorento’s total wholesales stood at 2,104 units. Kia India recorded its highest-ever monthly wholesales of 32,017 units in September, up 41 percent year on year. This was the first time the company had crossed 30,000 units in a month, surpassing its previous record of 29,556 units in October 2025, which was the first month after the GST 2.0 rate cuts kicked in. Kia Sorento: All you need to know The Sorento is priced between Rs 27.99 lakh and Rs 40.39 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. The hybrid setup pairs a 180hp, 265Nm petrol engine with a 65hp, 264Nm electric motor, while the diesel mill produces 193hp and 442Nm. The SUV is ava...

If you are considering either of these motorcycles, chances are you are also considering the other, especially since they both cost about the same. After the Triumph 400cc bikes were downsized, the Tracker 400 now uses a 349cc engine, while the Guerrilla 450 Apex is a sportier variant with more aggressive ergonomics and grippy, road-focused tyres, which I think suit the bike much better than those on the earlier variant. On paper, the Tracker makes 40hp and 32Nm, while the Guerrilla produces 40.02hp and 40Nm. The Triumph is a lighter, more compact motorcycle, while the Royal Enfield has a larger engine with more torque and offers a stable, planted feel. So, which one makes more sense for someone looking for a sporty, entertaining roadster? Design and Features Both motorcycles have very different visual identities, and that is probably the first thing you’ll notice. The Tracker 400 is inspired by flat-track racers, with a flat seat, side number boards and a wide handlebar. But this isn...

MG recently launched the Hector Tomahawk EV with a 69.2kWh battery, promising a claimed range of 517km. The 3-row electric SUV is positioned squarely against the Mahindra XEV 9S , which is one of the most popular EVs in its price range, and has a larger battery capacity and a higher claimed range of 679km. But in real-world conditions, does the Mahindra XEV 9S offer higher range than the MG Hector Tomahawk EV? We find out.  MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Specifications, price Tomahawk EV has a smaller battery, but weighs less than XEV 9S and is more affordable MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Specifications, price   MG Hector Tomahawk EV Mahindra XEV 9S Battery pack (kWh) 69.2 79 No. of motor(s) 1 1 Drivetrain FWD RWD Power (hp) 204 286 Torque (Nm) 310 380 Kerb weight (kg) 1,908 Over 2,201* Price (in Rs lakh) 19.50-23.50 22.65-30.15 *The XEV 9e has a kerb weight of 2201kg, so the XEV 9S, being a 3-row offering, will be heavier. The MG Hector Tomahawk EV ...

Kawasaki has expanded its 2027 KLE500 range with a new SE SmartRide variant, which adds a mechanical centrifugal clutch to the parallel-twin adventure motorcycle. The system allows riders to pull away and come to a stop without operating the clutch lever, while gear changes on the move still use the lever and pedal as normal. KLE500 now has three variants 451cc parallel-twin engine produces 45hp and 42.6Nm Kawasaki KLE500 SE SmartRide details No other mechanical changes over the KLE500 SE, which debuted last year The KLE500 lineup now comprises three variants – the base KLE500, the KLE500 SE and the new KLE500 SE SmartRide. At first, the SmartRide system may sound similar to Honda’s E-Clutch technology, but the two work quite differently. While both aim to simplify clutch operation, Honda uses an electromechanical actuator to automate clutch movement, whereas SmartRide relies on a purely mechanical centrifugal clutch. Aside from the addition of the clutch technology, the SmartRide var...

Sugar-based ethanol has been left out of India’s ethanol tender for the 2026-27 supply year, according to a Reuters report. Citing the tender issued on October 16, the report states that the government has instructed state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) to ensure no sugar is diverted towards ethanol production for this period. No bids have therefore been invited for ethanol produced using sugarcane juice, sugar or sugar syrup, or B-heavy molasses, the report adds. Oil firms invited bids for 11 billion litres of ethanol for 2026-27 Tender allows bids for ethanol made from corn, broken rice and surplus FCI rice Incentive for corn-based ethanol cut from Rs 5.79/litre to Rs 2.79/litre Tender details It seeks 11 billion litres for the supply year starting in November 2026 The tender comes from Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. "The Government of India has issued directions that sugar diversion for ethanol be reduced to zero for ethanol supply year 2026-27,...

The Model Y L is the long-wheelbase, 6-seat version of Tesla 's Model Y SUV. Priced at Rs 61.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it costs Rs 11.10 lakh more than the rear-wheel-drive Model Y. It is also pricier than rivals such as the BMW iX1 LWB and BYD Sealion 7. But does the Y L justify that premium? Here’s how it stacks up. Reasons to buy the Tesla Model Y L Spacious and quiet Extra length frees up more room, while its cabin is remarkably hushed With a 3,040mm wheelbase, the Model Y L is 150mm longer between the axles than the standard Model Y. It’s also 40mm taller, freeing up noticeably more space on the inside. The Y L is a 6-seater with front seats that are comfy and get extended under-thigh support. The individual captain's chairs in the middle row are very comfortable and feature powered armrests, plus heating and cooling functions. Passengers seated here won’t complain about legroom or headroom. Adding to their convenience is an 8-inch touchscreen capable of playing videos, plu...

Hero MotoCorp has introduced a new Xtreme 250R Carbon variant with a substantial feature overhaul, adding multiple hardware and tech updates. Here are the five things you need to know about the bike. 1. What’s new on the updated Hero Xtreme 250R? The Xtreme 250R Carbon features ride-by-wire, which unlocks four riding modes – Rain, Road, Sport and Track – along with traction control calibrated individually for each mode. A bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and TPMS have also been added. In terms of tech, the LCD instrument cluster has been replaced by a 4.2-inch TFT screen borrowed from the Xpulse 210. The rear suspension gets Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), a system that uses a secondary valve to automatically vary damping across two distinct profiles based on the speed and frequency of road inputs. It stiffens up to absorb high-frequency impacts, such as road chatter, and softens for longer, slower compressions, such as when going over a speed breaker. 2. What does the H...

GOOD FOR: Spacious cabin, comfy ride LOOK OUT FOR: Electronic glitches, AMT wear The Tata Nexon received a comprehensive facelift in September 2023, bringing a sharper exterior, a redesigned interior and more technology. It retained its compact SUV dimensions while offering a wide powertrain choice, along with manual and automatic gearbox options for both petrol and diesel. With its generous equipment, practical cabin and SUV-like stance, the facelifted Nexon makes a compelling case as a used buy. The 2023 Nexon was a significant styling departure from its predecessor, featuring slim sequential LED DRLs and headlamps positioned lower in the bumper. Revised bumpers, a new grille, connected LED tail-lights and redesigned alloy wheels gave it a more modern appearance. The cabin also received a thorough redesign, including a two-spoke steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster and a new touch panel for the HVAC controls. But, it retained its strengths of a spacious and practical cabin,...

The 160cc segment was kickstarted and subsequently dominated by the TVS Apache RTR 160 and now, the RTR 160 4V is the manufacturer’s best-selling Apache, with the RTR 160 (2V) following in its footsteps. Bajaj has been attacking this duo with a trident of motorcycles, the N160, classic 150, and the NS160. In this fight, Hero’s offering the Xtreme 160R has taken a backseat all this while, but Hero’s looking to get in the front with the newly updated version of its street-naked motorcycle. Does it, really? Let’s see. Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Carbon vs Rivals: Engine and output Bajaj has the biggest engine with the most power   Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Carbon TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS Engine 163.2cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled 164.9cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled Power 17.1hp at 8,750rpm 17.6hp at 8,650rpm 18.5hp at 9,500rpm Torque 14.6Nm at 6,500rpm 14.7Nm at 7,500rpm 14.4Nm at 8,000rpm Transmission 5-speed 5-speed 5-speed Power-to-weight...